TruGreen names new president, CEO

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – TruGreen appointed John Cowles as president and CEO, effective Sept. 17. David Alexander, current president and CEO, will be retiring from the company after serving as the company's president and CEO since December 2012 and 2014, respectively.

"I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead TruGreen through some of the most important periods of growth in its 45-year history, and I am very proud of what our team has accomplished together," Alexander said.

Prior to joining TruGreen, Cowles was president and CEO at FXI, a producer for the home, healthcare, electronics, industrial, personal care and transportation markets. Cowles is a 30-year business veteran who has held senior leadership positions at major companies such as Touchstone Wireless, Kraft Foods, Campbell Soup Company and George Weston Bakeries.

"I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to build on the business momentum TruGreen has established over the past several years," Cowles said. "TruGreen has a legacy of helping people live life outside. I look forward to working hand-in-hand with our associates to continue our commitment to creating green and healthy outdoor spaces for our (2.3 million) customers."

John Compton, TruGreen chairman and operating partner at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, the private equity firm that owns controlling interest in TruGreen, said, "We are grateful for David's service to TruGreen. His leadership was instrumental in the successful transition of TruGreen as an independent company and through the merger with Scotts LawnService, while creating significant, sustainable growth. Cowles' focus on service innovation, building a strong team and culture, and delivering best-in-class customer service will be tremendously beneficial as TruGreen enters its next phase of growth."